NFSU forays into aviation forensics

Recently, officials of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) signed an MoU with Hyderabad-based GMR Aviation Academy (GMRAA) to foray into aviation forensics. 

NFSU officials said that it’s a new field the students would be able to explore. In the recent past, the university had floated courses in fields such as drone forensics and documentation forensics that were aimed at industries such as security & surveillance and banking & finance respectively. 

Prof S O Junare, in charge DG of the university, said that along with GMR Aviation Academy, NFSU will design, develop and conduct special training programmes for trainers of GMRAA on themes such as cybersecurity, drones for airport security, technology advancements in security of critical infrastructure. “Even at the terminal, the use of forensic sciences could be explored for suspect detection, identification of contraband, etc.” he said, adding that NFSU will also provide cybersecurity audit for the GMR-run institutions. 

NFSU officials said that under the initiative, GMR will also sponsor PhD scholars for aviation cybersecurity, and offer internship for MTech students at GMR-run airports. 

Prof Purvi Pokhariyal, campus director of NFSU in Gandhinagar, said that in the past one year, the university has collaborated with several industry bodies for courses and development of tailor-made training modules. 

“Drone forensics is another example where we responded to the developing industry demand. We are also in process of offering a course in investigative psychology. It improves the student exposure, connect with real-life issues and employability,” she said. 

NFSU officials said that traditionally cyberforensics is the most sought-after branch among the newer disciplines with its applications ranging from CCTV analysis to detecting and thwarting cyberattacks.

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GMR Aviation Academy signs MoU with NFSU to focus on aviation forensics and cyber security

GMR Aviation Academy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Forensic Science University (NFSU) to develop and extend educational programmes in the field of aviation forensics and cyber security, a statement said on Wednesday.

As per the MoU, the GMR Group will sponsor domestic and international students in the field of aviation cyber security with one-year of onsite training at GMR Airports, its statement said.

GMR Airports, part of the GMR Group, manage and operate airports in Hyderabad and Delhi in India.

A research centre, certified by NFSU, will be set up in the campus of GMR Aviation Academy in Hyderabad, as per the MoU, the statement noted.

“NFSU scholars can pursue a full-time PhD in aviation forensics and cyber security domain at this unique centre with research and development opportunities in the live airport environment,” it mentioned.

Technology and digitization have brought many advantages to the aviation sector, but at the same time, these have created challenges in managing cyber vulnerabilities in such a complex environment, said Ashwani Lohani, CEO of GMR Services Business.

The aviation industry has been an attractive target for cyber attackers.

“Especially after the COVID-19, cyber attacks and threats have increased many folds, and organizations are in search of cyber security and forensics experts to create a cyber shield against any kind of cyber threats,” Lohani noted.

There is a huge shortage of trained cyber security and forensics experts in the country, and in the world, he mentioned.

“In fact, there is a vast opportunity for such cyber security professionals, and bulk-hiring requirements exist for these professionals once they successfully complete these courses,” he noted. 

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GMR Aviation Academy bags ‘Best Aviation Skills and Training Agency’ award at Wings India 2022

Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia bestowed the award of ‘Best Aviation Skills and Training Agency’ to GMR Aviation Academy at a function at Wings India 2022. The event was organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Hyderabad.

“GMRAA is a leader in the Aviation-based courses in the country and region, and our vision is to be a world-class training organisation. We are imparting world-class training to students, and developing them into global aviation professionals who can support various stakeholders of the industry. GMRAA networks with the best-in-class aviation academies and professional bodies around the world to learn from collective wisdom and meet expectations of customers and stakeholders. This award is a testimony to our contributions to the industry and the nation,” said Ashwani Lohani, CEO, GMR Services Business.

GMR Aviation Academy (GMRAA), the education and training arm of GMR Airports Ltd, was established in 2009 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. GMRAA is accredited by national and international bodies and has collaborated with various government bodies and regulators for Aviation-related Training and Education Programmes. It has emerged as a global gateway for aviation learning in India.

The academy has been conferred with ICAO’s ‘Regional Training Centre of Excellence’ stature and the ‘Global Training Hub’ by the ACI. It is also an Authorized Training Centre and Accredited Training School of International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The academy, with two full-fledged centres in Delhi and Hyderabad, conducts training programmes accredited by Airport Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) with focus on the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and African regions.

GMRAA imparts quality education through highly skilled faculty members possessing experience in Airports, Airlines, Fire & Rescue, Cargo, Safety and Security, Corporate Aviation, etc. The high-quality programmes conducted by the academy are unique as they are reinforced with On-the-Job Training (OJT) at the world’s best airports in Delhi or Hyderabad. The academy has its highly skilled faculty members and subject matter experts in their respective disciplines to conduct the programmes.

Post-training GMRAA facilitates placement assistance, with most of the alumni placed with major Airports (Indian and abroad), Airlines, Aviation Management Companies and Hospitality Companies, including Air India SATS, Celebi, Indigo, SpiceJet, Air Vistara, Sky Chef, Go Air, TruJet, DB Schenker, 7 Hills, GHIAL, DIAL, GMR Cargo, Qatar Airforce, DNATA etc.

With a focus on next generation training, GMR Aviation Academy along with its partner Information Sharing & Analysis Centre (ISAC) has launched short programmes in Cyber Security in Aviation. The programmes are set to transform workforce as Cyber-shields against Cyber-attacks in the current post-pandemic era where Cyber-invasions are on the rise.

The academy along with GMR Aero Technic (the MRO arm of GMR Airports Limited) is set to commission and operate the GMR School of Aviation, which has on offer a 4 year licensing program on 147 Aircraft Maintenance with in-house On-Job-Training at the MRO Campus. 

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3 Names For Post Of Aviation University Vc Sent To Prez

 After sitting over the recommendations for a full-time and regular vice-chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) in Amethi for almost 11 months, three shortlisted names have finally been sent to the President for the decision. 

The names were shortlisted by the search-cum-selection panel.

The only university envisaged in the aviation milieu had been functioning with an acting vice-chancellor. Amber Dubey, also joint secretary in the Union ministry of civil aviation, had served in the capacity for almost two-and-a-half years. 

Sources said the process of appointment of a VC was expedited as Dubey’s term as joint secretary was coming to an end on September 18. With this, he would also lose his position of acting VC. 

The draft report (a copy of which is with TOI) of the panel, dated June 15, 2021, had shortlisted three names based on an assessment of the candidates’ profiles and interviews. A total of 24 applications were received. After review, 14 applicants were invited for interviews that was held on June 14. 

The names recommended by the panel included vice-president at GMR Aviation Academy M Harikishnan, general manager for aircraft maintenance engineering at Pawan Hans Ltd Mahendra Singh Boora and managing director of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Aviance Indranil Gupta. Gupta held no position at the time of applying though. 

The committee was headed by former secretary, Union ministry of civil aviation MM Nambiar and had four members: former chief managing director of CSIR- National Aerospace Laboratories AR Upadhyay, director of IIM Bangalore Prof Rishikesha T Krishnan, CMD of SpiceJet Ajay Singh and MD of Air Asia India Sunil Bhaskaran.

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Coming soon: A more polite & sensitive Delhi Police, after trainers get trained by IndiGo crew

 Delhi Police personnel are not exactly famed for charming and graceful behaviour, but that could change in the near future, with IndiGo cabin crew and ground staff being roped in to impart soft-skills training to cops.

The syllabus includes perception management, body language skills, coping with unrealistic demands, cultural sensitivity, managing emotions, and anti-discrimination training. The hope is that this training from flight attendants will improve police behaviour and sensitivity, and eventually change unfavourable perceptions about the force.

The first batch of training at the IndiGo airlines’ Ifly training centre took place last November, and saw 12 inspectors-cum-trainers of the Delhi Police putting on their student hats. These inspectors will now impart what they have learned about body language, emotions, and sensitivity to around 5,000 constables.

Sources in the Delhi Police told ThePrint that soft-skills training is already an integral component of police training, but this initiative under the tutelage of cabin crew will specifically help build skills to bridge the gap between the police and the public.

“The training by IndiGo air hostesses was done keeping in mind the most important components of soft-skills training — body language, sensitivity, and communication,” Sundari Nanda, special commissioner (human resource division) in the Delhi Police, told ThePrint.

The training is not just for cops to maintain a pleasant and patient visage, but also about equipping the police to better handle sensitive crimes, like sexual assault cases, and bring order in instances of public anger and mob violence, Nanda added.

While Delhi Police personnel have undergone training at Ifly before, previous initiatives were more limited in scope.

More ‘receptive, polite, solution-oriented’ cops

According to a senior police officer, who did not wish to be identified, IndiGo staff have already trained 12 “officers from the security unit, traffic unit, district police, and licencing” in a six-day programme from 10 to 16 November last year.

“Two more batches will be sent for training with the airline staff soon,” the officer said.

Nanda said the training was geared to help the police engage more effectively with Delhi’s diverse population.

“Perception continues to be a major problem for the police force and enhancing their soft skills’ training will help change that. Delhi, as a capital city, has people from different socio-cultural backgrounds and hence it is extremely important for the police personnel to undergo this training to deal better with the masses,” Nanda said.

“Soft-skills’ training helps the personnel to learn, unlearn and grow in terms of being sensitive towards the grieving public and solve issues, keeping law and order intact,” she added.

Nanda also gave instances of how these skills would apply to critical situations.

“This training will enable police to be more sensitive towards citizens’ issues… For instance, they will be sensitised on how to make a sexual assault or domestic violence complainant feel more comfortable, or how to address and calm situations during mob violence or in general addressing public grievances,” Nanda said. “Basically, [training on how to be] receptive, polite and be able to provide a solution simultaneously.”

A push for more sensitivity

The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasised the need for soft-skills training, Nanda told ThePrint. This seems to be borne out by a number of initiatives in recent years.

Last October, for example, the Delhi Police Academy held a four-day programme in collaboration with the International Hotel Association, GMR Aviation Academy and IndiGo, where 380 sub-inspectors of the force underwent soft skills training.

In January 2019, too, a batch of 17 police personnel underwent training at the Ifly training centre in Gurugram, with a focus on “six Ss”, namely swagat, sampark, sahanubhuti, samman, sabhyata, and samay (welcoming, communication, empathy, respect, decorum, and timeliness).

The Delhi Police are also planning to train 500 trainers in collaboration with the government’s Capacity Building Commission. These trainers, in turn, will then provide soft-skills training to 35,000 police personnel.

“Traffic police, the local police at the police stations, those attending emergency calls in the PCR (police control rooms) will undergo this training,” said the unnamed senior officer quoted earlier.

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Wings India Awards 2022 announced

In a special function organised at Taj Krishna, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India presented Wings India Awards 2022. Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation of the government of and past president of FICCI also graced the occasion.

The Aviation Innovation Award was bagged by BIAL(Bangalore Intl Airport Ltd); Spicejet , HAL(Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd)Stelace Technology.

GMR Aviation Academy, CATC AAI got Best Agency for Providing Aviation Skills & Training; Sarang team as India’s only indigenous military Helicopter display team with Indian Air Force; Cochin Airport and DIAL(Delhi Intl Airport Ltd) got COVID Champions Award; Indian Oil SkyTanking was named as Best Aviation Fuel Service Provider.

BIAL adjudged as the Best Airport in General Category at more than 25 million and HIAL, GMR Hyderabad International Airport uber less than 25 million category announced as the Best Airport.

FlyBig and Pawan Hans were recognised as the Best Airlines/Helicopter Operator under RCS(Regional Connectivity Scheme) and Hubbali Best Airport(under RCS).

In Aviation Sustainability & Environment Delhi and MAIL (Mumbai Airport) and in Airline Category TATA SIA Airlines Ltd and in Manufacturing, Airbus were recognised with awards.

Bird Group and Air India  SATS bagged Best Ground Handling Service award.

JetSetGo and Himalayan Heli Services Ltd were adjudged as the Best Non Scheduled Operator.

Air India Express and Air Works got recognition for COVID-19 Continuity.

Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhyapradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka states were declared as the Most Dynamic States in Aviation.

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Best Aviation Training Academy in India.

Here are the Top Institutes in Aviation, which are not only providing students with a comprehensive education, but also focusing on intensifying placement prospects.

• GMR Aviation Academy

A global gateway for aviation learning in India, the institute imparts quality education through highly skilled faculty members possessing diverse Aviation experience.

• International Institute of Aviation

With a unique curriculum, pedagogy and innovative programs, the institute charts a unique and high growth path not only in aviation, but also in hospitality, travel management and customer service industry.

• Aimfill International

A finishing school catering to the aviation industry, the institute provides training in all the technical and nontechnical skills required to be a successful professional.

• Bird Academy

The institute helps young entrants in not only specializing in chosen areas of the industry, but also acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of all segment of Civil Aviation, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism.

• Flamingo Air Academy

A pioneer in the Aviation Industry and Hospitality Education in the state of Gujarat, the academy caters to the needs of the aspirants who want to carve their future in the industry.

• Glider Aviation Services

One of the leading aviation-training institutes in South India, the academy has employed a team of professionals who draw strategies that seamlessly synchronize with the market expectations.

• Inspire Academy

With highly experienced faculties who are aviation experts, the institute offers well researched and flexible courses that help aspirants be industry ready professionals.

• Jettwings

One of the ost sought after training institutes by the recruiters and trainees, the academy focuses in quality training and placements into niche segment of Hospitality, Travel and service sector.

• Orient Flights Civil Aviation Academy

Having one of the best fleet of training aircrafts, the academy trains its student pilots with the latest achievement in technology and safety.

• World Wide Aviation

Certified by the International Organization to provide professional aviation, the institute is specialized in profeesional and private flight programs.

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